St. Louis, Missouri February 20, 2008 - Mark Andy, Inc., a world leader in narrow web printing equipment, is excited to announce their cooperation with FTS and other Vendor Sponsors in hosting an Open House on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the FTS facility in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The Open House celebrates the installation of two new Mark Andy 2200 presses, the benchmark in label and narrow web printing.  These machines offer FTS leading-edge press capabilities, allowing the school to provide students with the most up-to-date flexo technology education.  Key print applications will be featured at the Open House, most notably the demonstration of the 2200 running unsupported film. 

Also installed at FTS, and viewable during the Open House is the Mark Andy VSR300, the latest technology in inspection and rewinding. The VSR for high-speed roll-to-roll finishing offers rates up to 900 fpm, an ergonomically friendly design, and quick-change die cassettes.

This event provides printers and converters the opportunity to see first-hand the Mark Andy machines in operation and to learn more about the facility, the services it provides, and its future direction.  Visitors will have the opportunity to network with the more than 40 FTS Vendor Sponsors who share a common vision of growing flexo through education and industry leadership.

Converters, printers, media and industry colleagues are invited to attend this unique event.  In addition to the press demonstrations and break-out vendor sessions, planned events include a golf tournament on Monday, April 7, and two complimentary hands-on training sessions for attendees, held Wednesday and Thursday, April 9-10. FTS encourages attendees to take advantage of these opportunities and learn more about the latest trends in flexo work flow from pre-press to finishing.

In operation since 2000, FTS has grown into a successful provider of unique press operator training, a location for research and technology, and has set the standard for the trade schools of tomorrow.  The school has welcomed thousands of visitors over the years, all in support of the growth of flexo around the world.

For more information or to register to attend the Open House, contact Shae Fields, FTS [email protected] .

For additional media information, please contact Jill Smith, marketing specialist, at [email protected] or +1.636.532.4433.